Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday chaired the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council at Kovalam near Chennai. Chief ministers and senior representatives from southern states attended the meeting. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar raised the issue of delimitation and urged the Council to protect the political representation of southern states. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan also took part in key interactions on the sidelines of the meeting.

The Southern Zonal Council includes Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. It also covers the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. The meeting focused on important inter-state and national issues linked to the development and interests of the southern region.

Shivakumar called on the Council to pass a resolution asking the Union government to use the 1971 Census as the basis for the upcoming delimitation exercise. He also sought a freeze on the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats for the next 25 years. He proposed that women's reservation should be accommodated within the existing number of seats instead of increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha.

Shivakumar said southern states had successfully controlled their population after responding to the national call for population stabilisation. He argued that their success should not result in a reduction in their political influence during delimitation.

"The southern states' success in controlling its population must not become a reason for reducing its political voice."

He also responded to the assurance that no southern state would lose seats. Shivakumar said representation should not be measured only by the number of seats. He stressed that political influence and the ability to raise the region's concerns also matter.

"We welcome the assurance that no southern state will lose seats. But representation is not only about numbers. It is about weight, and about voice," he said.

The Karnataka chief minister said the 1971 population figures should continue to guide delimitation. He also maintained that the total strength of the Lok Sabha should remain at 543.

"I am confident that all the chief ministers here will support me in what I say. Let the 1971 basis be honoured, and let the strength of our voice be protected," he added.

Shivakumar also connected the delimitation debate with women's reservation. He said the implementation of women's reservation should not be held up due to another delimitation exercise. He asked the Council to seek a resolution that would keep the number of Lok Sabha seats at 543 for the next 25 years while introducing women's reservation within those existing seats.

The Mekedatu project and the long-running Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu also came up during the meeting. Shivakumar said the Mekedatu project was important for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. He referred to a conversation with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu while walking to the meeting.

"While walking to the meeting, senior leader and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu ji told me that we need to solve the Cauvery water issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Let me assure you, every drop of water from the Mekedatu project will help farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Help us help you," he said.

Tamil Nadu has opposed the proposed balancing reservoir across the Cauvery. The state has maintained that the project could harm its interests. The Cauvery water-sharing dispute has remained a major issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Ahead of the Council meeting, Shivakumar also spoke with leaders and officials from across the southern region. In a social media post, he said the meeting provided an opportunity to engage with chief ministers, deputy chief ministers, ministers and senior officials. He said the discussions covered shared priorities and issues related to the progress and development of the region.

Shivakumar said Karnataka remained committed to working with neighbouring states to strengthen the southern region and contribute to a stronger India. He also mentioned his interaction with Kerala Chief Minister, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister, Telangana Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao and Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge.

"Glad to interact with Keralam CM, Telangana DCM, Telangana Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao along with our Home Minister Priyank Kharge ahead of the Council meeting."

"Exchanged views on our shared priorities and the issues that are important to the progress and development of our region."

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan also highlighted his interaction with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. Sharing photographs on X, Satheesan said the meeting took place on the sidelines of the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram, Chennai. P K Kunhalikutty was also present during the interaction.

"On the sidelines of the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram, Chennai, had a key interaction with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. P K Kunhalikutty was also present."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay also felicitated Amit Shah during the meeting. The gathering at the seaside resort brought together leaders from the southern states to discuss issues affecting the region. The discussions covered political representation, women's reservation, water-sharing concerns and development priorities. The meeting also provided an opportunity for the states to discuss areas where greater cooperation could strengthen the southern region and support wider national development.